Sir, - We welcome in principle the Government announcement extending the remit of the Ombudsman to include "publicly funded third-level institutions of education". This step would be consistent with the second part of the following motion, initially proposed by us and to be discussed further at a Convocation meeting in the National University of Ireland, Cork:
"That Convocation urges the Government to take immediate steps to appoint a Visitor for the National University of Ireland for a fixed period of office, and in accordance with the requirements of Section 19 (2) (c) of this Act, urges the governing authorities of the constituent universities to set up forthwith an arbitration body and to provide for the inclusion therein of at least one independent person of the standing and competence of the Visitor (as provided for in Section 19 of the Universities Act)."
Convocation has consistently advocated the institution of a standing visitorial mechanism for the academic staff and students of the NUI institutions. Such a proposal accords with (1) the recommendations of a UCD Governing Body Committee, chaired by ex-President Patrick Hillery; (2) proposals of the Irish Federation of University Teachers; and (3) long-established practice in Trinity College, Dublin and the Queen's University, Belfast.
It is interesting to note that under the legislation establishing the Queen's Colleges in Ireland (1845), there was specific provision for triennial visitations by a board of visitors.
It is appreciated that it is legally unacceptable to appoint the Visitor, provided for in Section 19, to an arbitration body, provided for in Section 26. - Yours, etc., Paul J. Cannon (Professor Emeritus), Peter Doyle, Ph.D.,
UCD, Dublin 4.